Almost a year ago today, the Bow Valley Grizzlies rugby team was celebrating a championship season as well as a berth into the top tier of men's rugby in the province of Alberta. With a tougher schedule against better competition, the Grizzlies fell just short in the Alberta Cup playoffs when their season came to a close on Sept. 15. Bow Valley came into the game as a huge underdog with their 5-1-6 record against Calgary who owned a 11-0-1 record. The Rams put up an astounding 492 points while only allowing 319. The Grizzlies on the other hand, put up 309 points while allowing 299. The home team fell 53-22 at the hands of the Rams after a slow start in the first half, but the team showed they were able to compete with the league's best in the second half, matching them score for score. Grizzlies head coach Ty Hawes said the team had a tough game against the top seeded Rams but added he was proud of the team's effort to bounce back in the second half. "The boys played hard and we even won the second half. But they're a very good side and they showed that over the course of the game ... I think the boys learned some things that game," he said. Hawes said he thought his team played very well over the course of the season considering it was unknown as to how well the Grizzlies would match up against stronger competition. "I thought the boys had a great season stepping up to the top division, finishing fifth in the 11 team provincial competition and getting into the playoffs, despite losing to the top ranked team ... for it being our inaugural season at this level, that was a great accomplishment," Hawes said. "We grew a lot of depth this year also fielding a second and third division side during the season and overall, I think the guys had a lot of fun. I think now they feel the step wasn't as big as they thought coming into the season. With a little bit more prep and hard work in the off season, I think they can improve on their performance for next year." The Grizzlies also had some younger players step into roles that they might not have in years past, something Hawes said bodes well for the future of the team. "There were a lot of great performances this season and a ton of new players, so many of the boys stepped up their game this year and it was great to see," said Hawes. "We did have a lot of first year players that really progressed throughout the season such as local boys Mac Chaisson and Ross Mills. Those two boys had never played a game before this season and by the end of the year, Mac was a regular on the top side and Ross was scoring tries so I think they really enjoyed this season." The Grizzlies will now take some time off to rest up and prepare for next season. "We do have a big off-season ahead of us this winter and if everything goes well, I don't think there's any reason why we couldn't be competing at the top level again. For the next few months, the boys will take some time off and enjoy the off-season but I'm sure by the time January rolls around, they'll be itching to get back at it," Hawes said confidently. "We're always looking for new players ... rugby is a sport for all shapes, sizes, and athletic ability, so if you want to get active and be part of something, the Grizzlies club will always welcome you." The Grizzlies will officially wrap up their season with an awards banquet on Sept. 29.
